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Archive for the 'Family' Category

Twist of Gold – Polka Theatre, London

Writer: Michael Morpurgo Adapter: Simon Reade Director: Philip Wilson Reviewer: Ann Bawtree The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★★★ Once again the Polka Children’s Theatre Wimbledon presents a five star show for children. This time it is for a slightly older age group than usual, nine to thirteen year-olds. Michael Morpurgo has written a stirring tale of two heroic children, alone [...]

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Chinese State Circus : Yin Yang – The Lowry, Salford

Reviewer: Laura Maley The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★½☆ Yin Yang the brand new production from the formidable Chinese State Circus makes its European premiere at Salford’s Lowry Theatre. The Lyric Theatre is full, and it’s not just families but people of all ages flock to witness the spectacular. There’s a great atmosphere even approaching the Lowry and an air [...]

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Swallows and Amazons –Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Music: Neil Hannon Writer: Helen Edmundson based on the books by Arthur Ransome Director: Tom Morris Reviewer: James Garrington The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★★½ What a treat it is to find a theatre foyer full of excited children; and what a treat was waiting for them inside the theatre too. Swallows and Amazons was first produced at Bristol Old [...]

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Sesame Street Live Elmo Makes Music – Orchard Theatre, Dartford

Staging: Christopher Harper Writer: Annie Evans Musical Director: Jon Baker Reviewer: Christopher Owen The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★★☆ Sesame Street Live is a stage version of the much loved TV phenomenon, and a show for the whole family. Younger children are in awe of the colourful characters and happy tunes, while adults are just as excited to see Sesame [...]

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Laura Veirs – The Lowry, Salford

Band: Alex Guy (keyboards and violin/viola) and Tim Young (guitars) Reviewer: Dave Cunningham The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★★☆ This is the first time that Laura Veirs has played a gig in Salford and the accent is something of a barrier. ‘Don’t be fooled’ a local calls out in response to her observation about the cleanliness of the area. ‘ [...]

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Peter Pan On Ice – Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Music: Silvio Amato Artistic Director & Choreographer: Cavaliere Giuseppe Arena Reviewer: Victoria Bawtree The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★☆☆   Coming hot on the heels of the pantomime season, and following such a well-known and loved children’s story, The Russian Ice Stars production of Peter Pan falls interestingly between two genres. The story allows elements of panto: he’s behind you [...]

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Swallows and Amazons – Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

Writer:Helen Edmundson Music:Neil Hannon Lyrics:Neil Hannon Director:Tom Morris Reviewer:Samantha Currie The Public Reviews Rating: ★★★★½ Swallows and Amazons is currently at the beginning of a UK tour after playing at the Bristol Old Vic and the West End. Directed by Tom Morris, the co-director of War Horse, with music and lyrics by Neil Hannon. The book is, of course [...]

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Beowulf The Dragon Slayer – The Lowry, Salford

Reviewer: Dave Cunningham The Public Reviews Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Although ‘Beowulf the Dragon Slayer’ is promoted as suitable for ages from seven few concessions are made for the attention span of such an audience. The tale of Beowulf is enacted by a single performer using wooden puppets carved in the style of engravings from the period. No effort is [...]

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